Yuanfudao Shifts to Quality Education, Unveils STEAM Brand 'Pumpkin Science'

Vocational education and physical education, among others, have significant growth potential.

Author: Liu Xiaoxi

Editor: tuya

Produced by: Caijing Tuya

According to financial intelligence firm Caijing Tuya, since the release of the "Double Reduction" policy last week, all academic education and training institutions have been hit to varying degrees, with industry insiders noting that the time has come for the sector to undergo a transformation.

On the afternoon of July 28, online education giant Yuanfudao was the first to announce its transformation into quality education. At a press conference, the company unveiled China's first AI-powered, interactive, hands-on STEAM science education product—Pumpkin Science.

Currently, Yuanfudao's portfolio of apps includes Xiaoyuan Souti, Yuantiku, Xiaoyuan KouSuan, Yuan Programming, and Zebra, among others. Prior to the release of the "Double Reduction" policy document,The company raised more than US$3.5 billion in funding in 2020 alone.。

However, according to the "Double Reduction" policy document, Yuanfudao's homework-searching app is also subject to regulatory oversight. The document stipulates that online education providers are prohibited from offering or promoting harmful learning methods—such as "photo-based homework search"—that undermine students' cognitive abilities, hinder independent thinking, and run counter to the principles of education and teaching; accordingly, tool-based apps under its umbrella, including Xiaoyuan SouTi, may face removal from app stores.

Ma Bin, head of business at Pumpkin Science, stated that the company's innovative AI technologies in education integrate in-screen AI-driven interactive instruction with out-of-screen hands-on exploration and inquiry, delivering contextualized, immersive learning experiences that encourage children to actively investigate scientific concepts. By engaging in practical experimentation, students can uncover the underlying logic and scientific principles behind observed phenomena, making this approach a new category within STEAM science education.

According to reports,Pumpkin Science was jointly developed by the original R&D teams of Yuanfudao and Zebra, and has been in trial operation for one year.。

The defining feature of Pumpkin Science in its R&D process is its commitment to "returning to everyday common sense." Based on the developmental characteristics of children, Pumpkin Science has developed a comprehensive, tiered progression system that integrates STEAM education principles and is closely aligned with real-life contexts, thereby meeting the needs of children at every stage of development.

Additionally, the scientifically guided inquiry process it has developed includes science picture books, hands-on experiments, real-life applications, a science radio segment, and a dedicated Q&A section, encouraging children to ask questions, think independently, conduct self-directed investigations, and apply their learning in practical contexts—thereby igniting their interest and passion for scientific exploration.

In terms of product design, Pumpkin Science emphasizes scenario-based learning that integrates both on-screen and off-screen experiences, utilizing AI-driven interaction and its proprietary science kits to create an immersive learning environment. Notably, Pumpkin Science is the first STEAM science education platform to deeply incorporate AI-powered voice technology, allowing students to adjust the pace of their scientific exploration through voice-based interactions tailored to their individual learning needs.

Previously, an insider from the K-12 education industry told Caijing Tuya that the transition from subject-based education to quality-oriented education is the most straightforward path, as the customer base remains unchanged. However, a representative from Blue Elephant Capital remarked,Quality education is also anticipated to have a certain long-term impact."So we still need to wait and see."

She revealed that, for example,There are still opportunities and room for growth in areas such as family education, vocational education, educational informatization, physical education, overseas education initiatives, and school-based services.。

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